With the number of cancer cases across the globe is set to go double by 2030, the Centre will pay special attention on disease management by expanding the district cancer control programme and by creating more regional cancer centres (RCC) during the XIth Five Year Plan period.

"During 11th plan, special focus will be made to expand district cancer control programme for early detection and management of cancer and to create infrastructure by upgrading existing RCCs. Creation of more RCCs and setting up of cancer treatment centres across the country with a view to producing quality manpower and treatment facilities will also be high on the agenda of the government during the Plan period," an official from the Health Ministry said.

The places of new RCCs and name of the districts to be included in the programme were being worked out, besides the financial aspects for the same, the official said.

According to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the number of diagnosed cancer cases will be more than double by 2030, compared to the cases in 2000 where 11 million new cases of cancer diagnosed world wide. About seven million deaths from cancer and 25 million people living with cancer then. By 2030, the agency expects that 27 million people will be diagnosed with the disease annually, 17 million will die from the disease and 75 million people will be living with cancer.

The data collected by Indian Council of Medical Research through population based cancer registry functioning under the National Cancer Control Programme, reveals that about 7-9 lakh new cancer cases are detected every year and at any given point of time there are 2.25 million cancer patients in the country. Tobacco is one of the main causes of cancer including Oral Cancer.

"As per revised scheme of National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), special emphasis is now being laid on early detection of cancer by promoting health education and creating awareness. Financial assistance is provided for setting up radiotherapy unit in Government Medical Colleges/hospitals for providing cancer treatment facilities," the official said.

In addition, comprehensive cancer detection testing facilities in respective regions/states are provided by 25 Regional Cancer Centres developed over the years under NCCP. Financial assistance is also provided to persons below poverty line from Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi for treatment of cancer.